Treating Esophageal Cancer and Non-Cancerous Tumors
Esophageal Center at RWJ University Hospital New Brunswick
According to the American Cancer Society, esophageal cancer accounts for about one percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, with diagnoses decreasing slightly over the last decade. Esophageal cancer is more common among men than women and individuals with esophageal disorders, such as achalasia, Barrett’s esophagus and GERD.
Each person’s symptoms may vary, with some experiencing heartburn, regurgitation and difficulty swallowing. Some people do not experience symptoms at all. Individuals who are at the greatest risk for developing esophageal cancer are typically:
Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are the most common types of esophageal cancer. Adenocarcinoma develops in the glands located in the lower portion of the esophagus, often in areas that have transformed into intestinal cells (Barrett’s esophagus). Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the muscle tissue.
Non-Cancerous Esophageal Tumors
A non-cancerous, or benign, tumor is a growth that neither invades nor destroys normal cells and does not spread to other parts of the body. Non-cancerous tumors and conditions are not usually life-threatening, are typically removed by endoscopy or surgery and do not usually recur.
- Leiomyomas are the most common non-cancerous tumors found in the esophagus. If a leiomyoma is small or not causing symptoms, doctors may choose to only monitor it. If the tumor is larger or causing symptoms, doctors will typically opt to remove it surgically.
- Two types of cysts can develop in the esophagus: simple cysts and esophageal duplication. Symptoms of esophageal cysts can include tightness or pain in the chest, difficulty swallowing and breathing, or irregular heartbeat.
- Esophageal webs and rings are the most common non-cancerous esophageal condition. Esophageal webs and rings do not usually cause symptoms. If they do, the most common complaint is difficulty swallowing.
Treatments
Generally, esophageal cancer or non-cancerous tumors are removed either endoscopically or surgically. In patients where the cancer has spread to other organs, other forms of treatment such as radiation and chemotherapy are prescribed.
Endoscopic Resection
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection is a less invasive alternative to surgery. The procedure is performed with a long, narrow tube equipped with a light and video camera to remove abnormal tissue from the lining of the esophagus. Submucosal dissection techniques are typically reserved for larger lesions or tumors as they are more difficult to manage and pose greater risk for complications.
Surgical Resection
There are several minimally invasive surgical procedures to remove the diseased tissue and reattach your esophagus to your stomach. Your surgeon may choose to go through the neck, chest or abdomen. The chosen procedure may be a laparoscopic or robotic surgical solution, and is largely dependent on the level of disease and your overall health.
Find out more about esophageal cancer care at the RWJUH Esophageal Center by calling 732-235-8970.
